The ramping-up of production is highlighted in the Construction Products Association’s latest State of Trade Survey which reports strong growth in sales of construction materials in Q2.

The survey showed 100% of firms reporting rising sales with 83% expecting the recovery to continue for at least another 12 months as they invest in output.

Kallum Pickering, Senior Economist at the Construction Products Association, said: “These results confirm that the construction products industry is firmly on the path of recovery.

“All firms reported that sales increased compared with the second quarter of last year and, looking forward, no firms expect sales to fall over the coming year.

“There are clear signals that firms are looking to capitalise on the positive growth outlook.

“Both heavy side and light side firms reported that capital investment increased across all areas of business and, investment intentions over the next 12 months were equally positive.

Brick makers are also boosting output with deliveries growing by nearly 12%, from 1,551 million in 2012 to 1,736 million last year.

Simon Hay, CEO of the Brick development Association said: “Throughout the recession, brick manufacturers continued to monitor the economic climate closely in anticipation of the recovery which is now taking hold.

“Accelerated production levels and more forward planning reflect an emerging optimism and positive outlook for the future of the brick industry”.